In 2013 we developed a unit to teach the Year 3 and year 4 biological sciences elements of the Australian curriculum (because we have composite classes). Here are some notes that go with this unit:

Introducing life cycles:

Life Cycle worksheets

General Animal Information

  • The ABC TV's Our Animals page - although this is now archived, it still contains lots of good information written for primary students.
  • The Australian Animals page here on thinkquest.org has a good range of animals.
  • 22 Strange and Amazing Animals - a blog post with photos showing some very unusual and interesting animals that is kid friendly - the only thing I would change is that it would be nice to have some information about the animals.

Classification of Animals

This section is about the background information required for teaching classification of living things at the 3/4 level, and where you can find more information, resources or activities.


Books

  • Nature's Way A-Z by Janeen Brian and illustrated by Helen Leitch - a fabulously illustrated book with marvelous vocabulary
  • A Seed is Sleepy by Diana Hutts Aston and Sylvia Long
  • There's a Hair in my Dirt by Gary Larson
  • The Pond That Turned Into a Puddle by Janette Morris
  • Leaf Litter by Rachel Tonkin